Iroh smiled softly as they approached a large town. "This is the city of Gaoling," he told Cadence. "While not a very large settlement, it is the home of a rather wealthy merchant family. Due to its out of the way location, it is untouched by the war. We are unlikely to find anyone with an issue taking Fire Nation money." He noticed Cadence staring around in awe, and chuckled. "We can explore later," he told her firmly. "After we've found a shop to restock our supplies."
Cadence pouted, whimpering. "But...but I want to explore now!" she whined. "I've never seen a town this size before! Look at all the big buildings!" She hopped down from the ostrich horse and gestured around. "And all the plants and animals I've never seen before! Can't I explore while you shop, Daddy? Please?"
Iroh stared at her begging, pleading look. He couldn't deny how adorable it was, or how hard it was to refuse her. However, he decided to stand firm if he could. "Cadence, even as removed as this town is, we can't simply claim to be Fire Nation royalty. There are still those who are either unscrupulous or hate-filled, who would seek us harm. And there are also those who might see you as a rare creature, one that would fetch a high price. I would hate to lose you to poachers."
Rolling her eyes, Cadence ignited her horn. Iroh levitated into the air, much to his surprise as he was surrounded by her aura. The cart with their things levitated into the air, disconnecting from the ostrich horse. The ostrich horse levitated into the air as well, so used to having her practice this with it that it didn't even bat an eye. "I can take care of myself," she pointed out. "Even without fire bending. And I promise to be careful. Please Daddy?" She turned her cute, begging, pleading eyes on him once again as she carefully set everything back down exactly how it had been.
Glancing back into the cart, Iroh noticed that not a single thing had shifted. He sighed ruefully. "Alright," he replied finally. "But meet me at the inn before sundown!"
Squealing happily, Cadence leapt up and hugged him around the neck. "Thank you, Daddy!" she cried out, kissing him on the cheek before racing off to explore.
Iroh could only shake his head in wonder. "So young, and already so skilled at getting her own way...I fear what she will be like as a teenager." Chuckling at that thought, he headed for the inn.
Cadence raced around town eagerly, looking at the unique architecture, the different plants scattered around, the animals, the people...it was all so fascinating. Obviously the people who saw her also found her fascinating, as they frequently turned to stare when she ran up and examined their clothes. However, her childish curiosity about the world around her meant she never stayed in one spot long enough for anyone to get a close examination of her.
Approaching some high hedges, she spread her wings. Having watched many winged animals taking flight during their journey, Cadence had already mastered propelling herself in short bursts of flight. Iroh's teachings of preserving and sharing knowledge had left her without the concept of 'private property' in terms of property lines. These two things made it perfectly understandable as to how and why she chose to fly over a hedge meant to keep people out.
Once in the yard contained therein, she hovered for a bit, surprised by what she saw. A young girl wrapped in pale green and off white robes had her back to Cadence. She was bent over, playing with stones, only her black hair visible. While the girl's appearance wasn't all that surprising, Cadence was confused that she hadn't turned to see her. The flapping of her wings hadn't been that quiet.
The moment her first hoof touched the ground, however, the girl shot up. "Well," she said simply, "you're certainly a strange looking bird." She then turned around and walked up to Cadence. "Never heard of a bird-pony...or are you a bird goat?" The girl knelt in front of Cadence.
Cadence stared in shock at the girl's pale blue eyes. Most would shrug off the paleness as normal color, but this close Cadence couldn't ignore the almost filmy texture covering the entire eye. Lifting her hoof, she waved it in front of the girl's face.
"Geeze," the girl grumbled. "Even animals do that?"
"I'm not an animal," Cadence complained.
The girl froze. "You talked."
"So did you," Cadence replied sourly.
The girl chuckled. "I like your style," she stated happily, punching Cadence on her right shoulder. While it didn't injure Cadence, there was plainly a lot of force behind the punch. "Name's Toph. What's yours?"
Grinning, Cadence returned the punch on Toph's shoulder. "Cadence," she replied happily. "How'd you see me when you're blind?"
Toph burst into hearty laughter. "Well you certainly don't waste any time with pleasantries."
"Are you going to answer my question or not?"
Toph laughed again. "Earthbending," she explained, lifting up her handful of pebbles. Wriggling her fingers, the pebbles danced in the air over her hand. "I learned most of it from the badger moles in the caves in the mountains." Letting the pebbles drop, she lifted her skirts to show her bare feet. "The badger moles are blind like me, so they see through the vibrations in the ground. I do too, using my feet."
"So that's why you only noticed me when my hoof touched the ground!" Cadence gasped in awe. "Teach me, please?"
Toph chuckled. "How can I teach you when I'm only 7?" she asked.
"Years or months?" Cadence countered. "I'm the latter."
Rolling her eyes, Toph shrugged her shoulders. "I guess we can see if you even can Earthbend. First, take a strong horse stance." Cadence raised an eyebrow, making Toph burst into laughter. "It's just the name of the stance!" Toph demonstrated the position.
Cadence struggled to achieve the same position, but the widespread stance of her hind legs made it difficult for her to stay upright, even with her wings spread.
"Hmm..." Toph murmured, feeling Cadence's imbalance. "Try it on all fours instead, and use your wings as arms."
Nodding, Cadence did as instructed.
"Now close your eyes, and try to feel the Earth," Toph instructed.
Closing her eyes, Cadence focused, trying to expand her awareness. Feeling the Earth around her was easy. Not being overwhelmed by the strength of the Earth Spirit was a bit more difficult. She opened her eyes, waving her wings forward strongly as though trying to disperse the vision.
The pebbles Toph had dropped earlier flew forward like missiles, punching through the nearby hedge. Someone outside yelped. Toph applauded. "Nice start!" she complimented. "But you'd better get going now. The guards are on their way."
Cadence blinked and nodded. "Can we meet up again?" she asked eagerly. "I want to learn more!"
"Sure!" Toph replied. "Meet me by the caves in the mountains west of town a few hours after sunset."
"I'll be there!" Cadence promised, leaping over the hedge again with wing aid. Noticing the sun moving towards the horizon, she raced for the inn to meet up with Iroh.
After dinner, Cadence waited until she heard Iroh snoring, then silently slipped out the window of the inn to go meet up with Toph at the caves.
As Iroh noticed that Cadence had trouble waking up the following morning, he concluded that the long time spent travelling had been a bit rough on her, and so decided to spend an extra week in Gaoling to let her recuperate. Cadence was quite happy with this arrangement, as it gave her plenty of time to hang out with Toph, both studying Earthbending and whatever else they decided to do at any given time. Cadence knew she couldn't pick up too much of Earthbending in just a week, so once she understood the basic principles - from no less than the badgermoles themselves - she focused instead on building up her friendship with Toph.
On the last night of the week - the night before the day Iroh had decided they would continue their journey - Toph and Cadence lay back on the mountainside, apparently staring at the stars. Neither of them was actually looking at the stars, however, as they were instead focusing on feeling the Earth beneath them...and feeling each other through the Earth.
"I'm gonna miss you," Toph said finally. "I've...never had a friend before."
"It's a first for me, too," Cadence replied. "I hope we meet again."
"Me too," Toph replied. "Even if you are Fire Nation."
Cadence's eyes popped open. "How did you know that? I never mentioned it!"
"Followed you back to the inn one night," Toph replied. "Felt you bribe the help to not tell your Dad about you sneaking out...with high denomination Fire Nation money. It's pretty distinct. The only time it ever crosses my Father's desk is when he's dealing with someone high up in the Fire Nation hierarchy."
Cadence sighed. She figured she'd have to tell Toph about this sooner or later. "The Fire Lord's my uncle," she stated simply.
"And I'm the Earth Queen," Toph retorted sarcastically.
Getting to her hooves, Cadence gave an exaggerated bow with a sweep of her wing. "Forgive my rudeness, Your Majesty," she teased.
The two laughed together for a bit, and then Toph raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"
"Seriously," Cadence replied.
"Wow."
They were both silent for a time, though neither was thinking about the revelation. Toph was the next to speak up. "We need a secret handshake," she stated firmly.
Cadence lifted one hoof with a quirked eyebrow.
"You know what I mean," Toph countered. "Something just for us, as a way of greeting each other."
Cadence thought for a time, and something rose in her mind. She leapt to her hooves. "Follow my lead," she stated.
Curious, Toph got to her feet and began to mimic Cadence's movements. "Sunshine, sunshine," she chanted with her as she ran in place for four steps. "Ladybug's awake!" She covered her eyes with her hooves before exposing them.
Cadence continued the chant. "Clap your hooves-"
"I don't have hooves," Toph pointed out.
"Just make a fist."
Grinning, Toph did so, bumping her clenched fists against Cadence's hooves. "Clap your hooves, and do a little shake!" they chanted together, Toph performing the last part by throwing her hands into the air and shaking her hips.
The pair fell to the ground laughing. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard or done!" Toph pointed out.
"Said the blind girl who saw to the talking pony," Cadence pointed out.
Toph's grin split her face. "You're right. It's perfect."
As the moon set, they shared one last bump of fist to hoof, before going their separate ways, both looking forward to when they could meet again.
Wow, wasn't expecting her to show up!
Okay, Cadence meeting Toph has to be the most epic thing I've ever read.
D'aww.
This chapter was amazing
Also I think why Cadence is going to be able to use all 4 Elements(and more considering all the things you can bend in that universe) is because she's considered a spirit of love, so her love for everything could help her gain bending powers. I hope that makes sense.
So cute. And did Cadence just Earthbend? Let's hope Ozai doesn't find out about this, huh?
That was adorable. Can't wait to see how Aang and the gang will react when they see Cadence and Toph meet again. Poor Sokka. Unless he manages to keep his jokes to himself, he is going to get hurt. Though that might just be business as usual for him.
I'm surprised I guessed who the friend was going to be.
6424323 Can anyone in the avatar universe learn all four elements? Or is it Just the avatar?
6424323
It kind of makes sense since, as an Alicorn, she's part Earth Pony. She's also part pegasus, so we'll probably be seeing some airbending in the future.
Not sure about seapony though.
Since it seem she can use the probably use the elements of Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Heart(Love) does that technically make her Captain Planet?
6424374
Pegasi also make rain, snow, and clouds. Those are all water.
6424368 just the avatar... all other benders can only do one bending- earth bender for earth and fire bender for fire-ect. I'm surprised Cadance can do fire AND earth... what is next learning to water bend from Katara?
6424368
Supposed to be just the Avatar, but Cadence has special pink princess pony privilege.
6424368
Only the Avatar can bend all four Elements in the Avatar world.
Cadence, however, isn't from the Avatar world. The rules don't completely apply.
Toph huh, so will Cadence be meeting any water benders?
DUDE!!! I like it! Looking forward to more.
Keep up the great work. Deus tecum.
Another enjoyable chapter. I love Toph and hope to see more of her later.Great job.
That was adorable, awesomely done man! :D
heeheehee, twas greatness!
He's got you there.
She has a point as well. But, you're still young and impressionable Cadence, just be careful.
Highly amusing if Fortresshy was any indication. Speaking of which, I have half a mind to re read that for kicks at some point.
... Toph?
Pony/unicorn/bird actually.
Oh I am going to enjoy this fic IMMENSELY, aren't I?
You don't either.
This amuses me.
This amuses me even more.
Impressive.
Clever girl.
Your Majesty. Wait, if Ozai is her uncle, does that technically make her Azula and Zuko's sister? Cause that's cool.
Indeed.
Use your fists.
I'm saying it. I f*cking love this Cadence.
I was kind of hoping that Cadance wouldn't be able to learn every Element. I mean, even the Dark Avatar could only waterbend. Could you at least try not to make every pony in these stories as OP as possible?
6424441
Cousin, actually.
6424368
(Supposedly) Just the Avatar because (Spoilers for those who haven't watched Korra through season 2) Wan, the very first avatar, went around to the four great Lion Turtles to receive power over the four elements (done by apparently spirit-bending it directly into his brain), then fusing his spirit with Raava, the local spirit of Order and Harmony, so he can use all of them at once. Each avatar carries Raava within themselves, Raava carries Wan's spirit within herself (alongside that of every avatar since), and the Raava/Wan combination is what allows the avatar to bend all four elements.
My guess is that an Alicorn's natural Unicorn, Pegasus, and Earth Pony magics, combined with their mysterious Alicorn magic, are a close enough facsimile to the Avatar's unique circumstance to allow for the bending of at least three elements (Fire, Earth, and Air).
Either that, or Aang suffered a cryogenics failure and Cadance actually is the new avatar.
Edit:
6424389
Close enough!
6424453
That works too. Sorry, I'm terrible at this sort of stuff. I can imagine Iroh and Celestia just bonding over tea.
6424451
...Dark Avatar? What are you talking about?
And the comments already show logical justification for her - or any alicorn thus trained - to bend all four Elements. Her canon crystal growth spell is Earthbending, fire comes from passion (she's Princess of love) and we've seen lightning from unicorns before, and air and water are firmly pegasus magic.
So, how much longer until someone makes a fan art cover for this? Happened to all the others, after all.
6424482
Sanyo21 said he'd make it once he'd cleared some of his queue.
So, much YES! Just simply YES!
And then?
YES!
6424495
Alright, good to know. Possibly by the time you release the next chapter?
6424533
Unknown.
6424470
In the Avatar universe, no one person's body can hold all four elements. Even though bending isn't genetic, it's still impossible for anyone to learn more than one element. When Wan and Raava traveled the world to learn them all, the lion turtles gave the elements to Raava - one of the two most powerful spirits in this universe - and she could only pass them on to Wan one at a time. Even when they combined together to use all four elements, without the power from the spirit portals, they couldn't do it for more than a few seconds without her killing him. Even the Dark Avatar(Unalaq) could only waterbend because Vaatu didn't have the other elements to give him.
Also, the things that you described are just her pony magic, which she still has. Being able to learn every element and her magic just seems like too much for one character, even if they are from another world.
I'm just saying that it probably would have been better if she could only learn one element. Just being able to naturally learn every element like this just seems to de-value the Avatar, and make Cadance a Mary Sue.
6424556
It won't be revealed until much later in the story, but her bending is actually her pony magic expressing itself and interacting with the elemental energy of the Avatar world. It's not that she's "a natural". Each burst of elemental bending is the equivalent of a magic surge. She'll still need a good amount of training in any element to be a true master.
6424568
If that's her pony magic expressing itself and interacting with the elemental energy of the Avatar world, then why does she still have her usual pony magic?
6424606
If you mean her base telekinesis, it's basically the equivalent of the energy bending that existed before Element bending, and it's anything stronger or more complex than that which interacts with the Elemental energies.
Oooh, so Cadence can firebend AND earthbend? So she's basically a pony version of the Avatar?
Heh, I guess you could say she's the...
derpicdn.net/img/view/2015/4/24/881741__safe_rainbow+dash_pinkie+pie_animated_screencap_tank_tanks+for+the+memories_spoiler-colon-s05e05.gif
"DON'T SAY THAT WORD!"
...Ponyta?
I had to scrap my transformers idea. Too many versions of each character and I couldn't decide how to write them.
But I found some replacements. See them here.
*fangirl squeal so high pitched it makes every dog in a 3 kilometer radius howl*
6424323
I don't think its actually going to cause that big of a stir with him. Since they believe her to be spirit creature, it isn't hard to assume that she has some bending abilities. Especially since fire benders learned their own bending from dragons, air benders from sky-bisons and lemurs, and earth benders from badger-moles. Heck, its pretty much par for the course for her to have a few bending abilities; the dragons themselves probably used a form of air-bending for flying themselves, setting a precedence the Fire Lord would be familiar with for spirit creatures to posses more than one bending ability. Though, it would be stretching it a bit if she is able to rival Avatar State-level abilities in all types (at least, not without extreme training over a long period of time from a lot of masters).
I'm in agreement with 6424556 that going all four elements is needlessly Mary Sue-ish, and sticking to fire is still sufficiently awesome. But I'll trust the author to have a plan. (Not reading those spoilers.)
Unrelated, making friends with Toph is plenty cool. Hmm, how much time before Aang defrosts are we speaking here? I'm guessing at a few years of worldbuilding and cool sights before they jojn Zuko on his
snipeavatar hunt?6424752
Three years before Zuko's sent on his mission, two years after that before episode one.
I set the timeline in this chapter pretty firmly, since Toph stated she was 7 years old. In her introduction episode, she points out to her parents that she's 12.
You... That... II... Them...
Gah!
vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/avatar/images/4/46/Toph_Beifong.png/revision/latest?cb=20131230122047
Egh!
vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/universeoffanfictions/images/c/c7/Princess_Cadence.png/revision/latest?cb=20121216035235
And!
lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVf4N8JL7F8/VbaYjtGbyRI/AAAAAAAAyWk/s48yhZF5khk/w640-h360/Sunshine-Sunshine-Ladybugs-Awake-Clap-your-Hooves-And-do-a-little-Shake-p-cadence-31034464-640-360.gif
OMG! YOU ARE BEST WRITER!
I already knew who it was before the name Toph showed up.
that was cute!!
*Five years later; Toph has left the Gaang behind, fed up with Katara's attempting to be the Team Mom*
Toph: "Fancy-pants waterbender thinks she knows everything... huh? I recognize this feeling..." *runs down a slope, towards Cadence and Iroh* "Cadence!"
Cadence: *looks up* "Toph?! What in - what are you doing here?!"
Iroh: "A friend of yours, Cadence?"
Toph: "One moment, old man. She and I have something to do. Remember, Cadence?"
Cadence: *smile* "Of course."
*Commence Sunshine, Sunshine*
6424985 it's hard not to.
6424451 Where is the fun in that?
6424752 >.> Do you even know what mary-sue is?
Stop using it if you don't know what it is.
Also...It is sorta a tradition to make them as OP as possible....That is not to mention Alicorns themselves are OP as fuck.
6424752
Also, Mary Sue has absolutely nothing to do with how powerful a character gets, or how easily they gain that power.
A Mary Sue is a character who never faces a problem they can't easily overcome. A Mary Sue is a character who is "too perfect".
You could have a character that can literally crush planets with a thought, and is literally the most powerful being in their existence...but if their life and challenges put them through believable crises and suffering, then they aren't a Mary Sue.
By the strict definition of Mary Sue, even Golden Age Superman - whose powers were literally "whatever the writers think is cool for that comic issue" - wasn't a Mary Sue.
I AM EEGERLY awaiting for the next chapter for THIS STORY. MAN I LOVE THIS
Lets hope that Cadence will be the key of PEACE
Alright, I hate to be that guy, but I have to call this.
Toph can't read facial expressions. Just movements.
6426018
And the raised eyebrow was just that intense a movement. Have you seen the size of pony eyebrows relative to the rest of their bodies as compared to human eyebrows?